• Duration 21 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous

    The strenuous grade is both moderate and difficult. Even in this grade, treks reach around 5000-5500 meters. You walk generally 6-7 hours every day. Strenuous treks require good physical condition and acclimatization. if some problems appear, you have to walk down and take some hot drinks or soup. You may get affected fast if you have high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or complicated medical conditions.

  • Country Nepal
  • Maximum Altitude 5,545
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Tour / Trekking
  • Best Time September to May

The Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes is an adventurous trekking program in the Khumbu region. On this trek, you will travel to the base of the tallest mountain on Earth and explore the stunning turquoise alpine lakes. Likewise, you will cross a challenging high pass. The journey is exhilarating and life-changing. You will trek through diverse climatic zones, enjoying varying scenery.

The highest point touched during the Everest Cho La Pass trek is the Kala Patthar. It is situated at 5,545 meters. However, you will go multiple times above 5,000 meters. If you want to do something new in the Khumbu region or trek beyond the classic EBC trail, we highly recommend the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo trek.

It is a challenging trek, so participants must be physically fit and have trekking experience. The journey is fueled by the support of the mountain communities, who provide accommodation and meal services to the trekkers. Meet with Sherpas and others. Get to know them closely and experience their simple lifestyle. Enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayas and its powerful energy.

Join our Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La pass and Gokyo Lakes 21 days now and get the best price!

 

Highlights

  • A challenging trek in the Khumbu region for experienced trekkers
  • Start the journey with a thrilling Lukla flight
  • Acclimatization hike to the Hotel Everest View and Gokyo Ri
  • Explore the holy Gokyo Lakes and cross the Cho La pass
  • Hike to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
  • Get to see the daily life of Sherpas and other mountain communities
  • Witness diverse landscapes and mountain vistas throughout the trek
  • A fantastic trek for anyone looking for something extra and exhilarating

What can you expect during the Chola pass trek?

The Everest Cho La Pass trek starts with the famous Lukla flight. From Lukla, you will reach Everest Base Camp in eight days' walking. In these eight days, you will explore and spend nights in villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. There will also be two acclimatization breaks, during which you will hike to the Hotel Everest View and Chhukung Valley.

The trail goes through dense rhododendron and magnolia forests, following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River and crossing it numerous times. From Dingboche onwards, you will enjoy the full alpine zone. There will be glaciers and moraine tracks. Barren hills and massive snow-capped mountains and glaciers will surround you.

Spend a night in Gorak Shep and hike to Kala Patthar. From here, you will descend to Dzongla and follow the steep uphill trail to the Cho La pass. Crossing Cho La Pass will be an epic moment. You will feel very confident about this achievement. Now, it is time to explore the beauty of the Gokyo Valley. Traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, the biggest glacier in Nepal, and hike to the Gokyo Village.

On the way to Gokyo Village, you will encounter the first three Gokyo Lakes and hike to the fourth and fifth. These lakes' isolation and jaw-dropping beauty will mesmerize you. One last final climb will take you to the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, and you will begin walking downhill to Lukla, spending nights in Dole and Monjo on the way.

During these multiple days of trekking, you will witness a drastic change in landscapes and enjoy mountain views of Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), and many.

How do you train for the Everest Cho La Pass trek?

To train for the Everest Cho La Pass trek, trekkers have to do cardio, walking, and weight training. These exercises help improve stamina, strength, and endurance, which is crucial for this trek. Likewise, you have to build 5 to 6 hours of walking habit.

You can do various activities like swimming, cycling, hiking, running, etc. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to stay consistent. It is also recommended that you practice long breathing and research the trail.

Who can do the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo trek? Are you ready for the journey?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake and crossing the challenging Cho La pass in one trip is demanding. It is only recommended for individuals who are in great fitness and endurance. Similarly, participants with previous trekking experience can also join this trek.

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass has slightly advanced terrain. You can do the Everest Cho La Pass trek if you have previously done treks like Langtang Valley, Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang, or Annapurna Circuit.

Trek packing list

For the Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes, you will need the following gear:

  • Comfortable, light-weight underwear
  • Trekking t-shirts and pants
  • Base and thermal layers
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves, socks, scarf, beanie, sun hat, etc
  • Trekking boots and a casual pair of shoes/slippers
  • Duffel bag and daypack
  • Trekking pole, map, reusable water bottle
  • Sleeping bag
  • Toiletries, first aid, snacks
  • Camera, adapter, charger, power bank
  • Journal/pen and traveler games (optional)
  • Cash, documents

Why do the Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La pass and Gokyo Lakes with Adventure Treks Nepal?

Adventure Treks Nepal is a local trekking and tour company based in Kathmandu. We have been organizing trips around the Himalayas of Nepal for more than three decades. Our long legacy in the field makes us a reliable trekking partner. We provide a reasonable Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La pass and Gokyo Lakes cost and top-notch service.

Our expert team of travel consultants, guides, porters, drivers, and other staff makes your time in Nepal hassle-free. We will take care of all your requirements and ensure your safety. You can customize treks with us and also freely share your travel plans. We will do our best to meet your requirements. Our Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La pass and Gokyo Lakes 2024 bookings are open.

 

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Our team will welcome you at the airport and drop you off at the hotel in Thamel. If you have any questions, you can ask them. The remaining day is free in the city. Explore the bustling streets of Thamel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, tour historical sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhnath Stupa with one of our friendly, English-speaking guides. In the late afternoon, you will attend a trek briefing from your mountain guide. Do any last-minute shopping and pack the duffel bag.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, fly to Lukla. Treks in the Everest region start from Lukla. You will take the Lukla flight from Ramechhap Airport from March to May and September to November. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach here from Kathmandu. In other months, the Lukla flights are operated from Kathmandu Airport.

Once you land in Lukla, collect your luggage and meet with the porter. Descend through lush forests and small settlements to Phakding village for the night. On the way, cross many suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
  • Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

The trail continues through forests of rhododendron and magnolia. You will follow the Dudh Koshi River and pass by villages like Bengkar and Monjo. On the way, you will cross the long Hillary Suspension Bridge. The permits are registered in Monjo. From Monjo, the Sagarmatha National Park starts. As you ascend towards Namche Bazaar, the trail gets steep.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

The acclimatization days help you avoid altitude sickness. On this day, you will spend the night in Namche Bazaar but go on a hike to a high altitude in the morning. Walk up to the Hotel Everest View, from where you will get to see stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. After the hike, spend the remaining day resting.

  • Max Altitude: 3,962 m/13,000 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail continues to Kyangjuma. From here, a downhill route leads to Phungi Thanga. Cross a bridge and start ascending to Tengboche village. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam.

  • Max Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 9.6 km/5.9 miles

From Tengboche, descend to the Imja Khola Valley floor via Deboche village. Cross a suspension bridge and trek through forests to Pangboche village. The trail then passes Shomare and Orsho settlements and terraced fields to Dingboche.

  • Max Altitude: 4,410 m/14,470 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 9.1 km/5.6 miles

Today is another acclimatization day. Like before, you will spend the early morning hiking and the rest of the day relaxing. For the hike, you can go to Nagarjuna Hill or Chhukung Valley. Both options offer stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

Dingboche onwards, you are trekking above the treeline. The trail is steep and takes you to Thukla. From here, you will ascend to Dughla Pass and walk along the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche village. On the way, see memorial chortens of the dead Sherpas and climbers.

  • Max Altitude: 4,930 m/16,174 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

Start trekking from Lobuche village early in the morning. It is a long walking day. First, ascend via the Khumbu Glacier moraine and follow rocky tracks to Gorak Shep. Leave your heavy luggage here and continue hiking to the Everest Base Camp. Explore the base camp and later descend to Gorak Shep for the night.

  • Max Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 15 km/9.32 miles

You will hike to Kala Patthar in the morning to witness a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Everest and many other peaks. After the hike, descend to Lobuche, retracing the trail.

  • Max Altitude: 5,545 m/18,129 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 7.5 km/4.6 miles

After a big breakfast, you will descend from Lobuche village to Dzongla. The route is the same as before. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and towering mountains around you.

  • Max Altitude: 4,830 m/15,846 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 6.6 km/4.1 miles

Today, you will cross the Cho La Pass and join the route to Gokyo Valley. Start ascending from Dzongla early in the morning. Crossing this pass requires walking on icy terrain and steep slopes. From the top of the pass, you will see a breathtaking panorama. The trail then descends to Thangnak.

  • Max Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 9.38 km/5.8 miles

Trekking from Thangnak, you will follow rugged terrain to Longponga Lake (4,720 m). From here, you will trek and pass by the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine. The mountain views are surreal along the way. Soon, you will trek past the first two Gokyo Lakes and reach the third Gokyo Lake called Dudh Pokhara, where Gokyo village is situated.

  • Max Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 3.7 km/2.3 miles

It is your last acclimatization day on this trek. In the morning, hike to Gokyo Ri. The mountain views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, etc, are jaw-dropping from here. After this hike, you can also walk up to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

  • Max Altitude: 5,400 m/17,814 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 2-3 hours

Descend from Gokyo village to Dole. You will trek via Machhermo village and pass by landslide debris on the way. Stunning mountain vistas will keep you company.

  • Max Altitude: 4,038 m/13,248 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

The trail from Dole descends to Phortse Thanga and takes you back to Namche Bazaar. From here, you will steeply descend via lush rhododendron forest to Monjo. It is a long descending day.

  • Max Altitude: 2,835 m/9,301 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 13 km/8 miles

From Monjo to Lukla, you will retrace the trail to Lukla. First, descend to Phakding village. From here, the trail ascends to Lukla via rhododendron forests, recrossing all the suspension bridges.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 9.5 km/6 miles

Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. The guide will drop you at your hotel. The remaining day is free in the city.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight

Today, you have one more full day in Kathmandu to explore, shop, and relax. Enjoy your time as you wish. If you want to do any specific activity, let us know.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Our team will take care of your airport departure. They will drop you off at the international airport according to your flight schedule.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • All Transport (Private).
  • Standard Accommodation (Twin share) in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
  • Sightseeing tour with entrance fees.
  • Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Standard Accommodation (Twin share) in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Domestic Flight with Airport Tax.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for two trekkers)
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • Everest Base Camp Trekking Region map.
  • Sagarmatha (Everest) National park permits fee.
  • Khumbu pasang lhamu rural municipality entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • All Government taxes Income tax plus VAT.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • Office services charge.
  • Water purification tablets.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) (US$ 30 for 15 days) you should get visa open your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi etc during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes - 21 Days
Altitude Chart
Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes - 21 Days
Essential Information

Everest Cho La pass trek permit

For the Everest Cho La pass trek, you will need the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit, which costs USD 20 per person. Likewise, you will also need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit, which costs USD 30 per person.

EBC Cho La pass trek difficulty

The Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo trek is challenging. This is a high-pass trek. To cross the pass, trekkers have to navigate tricky tracks like steep slopes, icy paths, and rocky sections. Likewise, high altitude is another huge factor that makes this trek challenging.

Trekkers are required to walk for 6 hours daily, and some days can include up to 8 hours of walking. Therefore, trekkers must be in good health and fitness. Likewise, while trekking, you will encounter different climatic zones and temperatures, so adjustment to a diverse environment is necessary.

Prevent altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is common on treks like EBC and Gokyo Lakes because of the high altitude gain. However, to avoid altitude sickness, trekkers can keep themselves hydrated, maintain their pace, listen to their bodies, and get ample rest while trekking. Also, do not smoke or consume alcoholic drinks if you are ascending.

The best time to do the Everest Chola pass trek in Nepal

The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo trek is the spring and autumn seasons, which include March to May and late September to November. Trekking at this time is favorable because of stable weather and a mild climate. You will see clean mountain panoramas and enjoy lush lower elevations.

The trail condition is good, and lodges are open throughout the region for trekkers. These two seasons are also the busiest times of the year for trekking in the Khumbu region, so make sure you are ready to see the crowds and do not get surprised.

Everest Cho La pass trek travel insurance

To do a high pass trek, travel insurance is compulsory. It is used to provide you with helicopter evacuation in case of emergency promptly. There are no hospitals in the Khumbu region, and even decent healthcare facilities are only available in particular villages.

If you are in the remote corners of the region, it can take days to walk down to a health post. So, helicopter evacuation remains the only way to provide medical assistance to trekkers.

Accommodation and meals during the Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes trek

The accommodation during the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Gokyo trek is a lodge. You will also have meals in the lodges. Rooms are shared between two or three trekkers, and washrooms are common. Single rooms cost additional money and may not be available in places like Dzongla and Gorak Shep.

The lodges only offer sleeping options at room cost. Services like hot showers, charging, and WiFi cost an additional USD 1 to USD 5 per use. Similarly, you can pick the food of your choice during trekking. Options range from typical dal bhat, thukpa, momo, stew, fried rice, and chapati to pasta, pizza, burgers, etc.

Travel visa to enter Nepal for the trek

Trekkers are responsible for obtaining a travel visa to enter Nepal for the trek. There are two ways to get a Nepal travel visa- first, you can visit the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in your country, and second, apply online for the on-arrival travel visa and obtain it upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Travelers from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria, as well as refugees with travel documents, must obtain a travel visa from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in their country.

FAQs

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes are two different destinations in the Khumbu region. Trekkers follow different routes to reach these places. The EBC trek route is much more famous than the Gokyo Lakes trek route, but it gets crowded in the peak seasons. The Gokyo Lake trek route is less crowded during the peak seasons, and the terrain is a bit more challenging than EBC.

Trekking to Gokyo Lakes is difficult because of the offbeat terrain and high altitude, but trekkers with good fitness will enjoy it.

The view of Mount Everest from the Gokyo Ri is particularly mesmerizing. Around the Gokyo Lakes, you can see hills and other mountains.

The most challenging part of the Everest Cho La Pass trek is crossing the pass, which requires almost 8 hours of walking. To cross the pass, you will navigate glacier moraine, steep slopes, and icy tracks.

The Everest Cho La pass trek is not for beginner trekkers. It is a challenging trek, and beginners are not recommended until they are extremely fit and physically active.

Gokyo Lakes are one of the highest fresh-water lake systems in the world. They are famous for their remote locations, the adventurous trail to reach them, and jaw-dropping beauty.

During the Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes, you can expect the following additional expenses:

  • International flight tickets
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips
  • Shopping
  • Extra food/beverages
  • Emergency fund
  • Personal services like hot showers, WiFi, and charging during trekking

You can tip the guide and porter as much as you wish. There is no fixed amount. Tipping guides, porters, and drivers are custom in Nepal, so make sure to budget for this.

Yes, you can add a helicopter flight to your trekking program. You can take the flight from anywhere on the trail. Some ideal options are- Gokyo village to Lukla, Lukla to Kathmandu, Kathmandu to Lukla, etc.

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